(1979) Mass transit railway opens; The US and
China establish diplomatic relations and recognise the mainland as the
sole legitimate China. Four special economic zones established on
China South coast.

(1997) Hong Kong returns to Chinese sovereignty; Deng
Xiaoping dies. At the 15th Communist Party Congress, President Jiang
Zemin call for a faster pace of reform. The 70th anniversary of the founding
of the People's Liberation Army Britain returns Hong Kong to China.

(1998) Zhu Rongji, the premier, takes office.

(1999) Falun Gong followers hold the biggest demonstration
since Tiananmen Square. Nato bombs the Chinese embassy in Belgrade. The
50th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic.